Originally, there was only White Cat tradition. Now the cats
are also found in other colors. Other colors, including Red and Purple, are
relatively new and may be influenced by Chinese traditions. These colors seem
to invite an even larger amount of wealth, health, and prosperity than the originals.

Maneki Neko - The Legend (from actioncat.com
)

In the 17th century, there was a rundown and poverty-stricken temple
in Tokyo. The temple's priest was very poor, but he shared what little
food he had with his pet cat, Tama.

One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting
and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for
the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside
the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the
tree to have a closer look at this unusual cat. At that moment, the tree
was struck by lighting.

As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and
the temple became prosperous. The priest and his cat never went hungry
again. When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetery
with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him.

A Maneki Neko in your place of business, your home or on your website
is said to bring in good luck and visitors. Maneki Neko is Japanese for
"beckoning cat." The message he's holding says "Please come in. You are
welcome!" and he is beckoning you with his paw . (In Japan, the gesture
of beckoning is pretty much the reverse of the gesture used in the West.)